03, December 2014

‘Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it.’ Psalm 127:1 NKJV

It’s easy to remember where and when you got married, but sometimes what escapes you is why. God created Eve because unlike the rest of His creation Adam had no mate; he was incomplete. So if one of the purposes of marriage is closeness, the enemy of marriage is distance. But problems arise when you expect your spouse to meet every need you’ve got. Only God can do that! A man asked his friend, ‘How come you never got married?’ He replied, ‘Because I was looking for the ideal woman.’ ‘And you never found her?’ his friend asked. ‘Yes, of course, but just my luck—she was looking for the ideal man.’ Hello!

The Bible says, ‘Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.’ (Ephesians 5:25 NKJV) Can a marriage ever be perfect? No, but when two people make up their minds to give themselves fully to one another, they can come pretty close. In a survey of thousands of married couples, here are ten reasons why people said they were unhappy:

(1) They didn’t think alike in many areas.

(2) They had little insight into each other’s feelings.

(3) They said hurtful things to one other.

(4) They felt unloved.

(5) They felt taken for granted.

(6) They lacked someone to confide in.

(7) Each spouse felt he or she was giving more than the other.

(8) They rarely complimented each other.

(9) They desired more affection.

(10) They couldn’t talk to each other.

Since God performed the first marriage, talking to Him about yours would be a good place to start.